Social media

How safe do you feel outdoors? In a recent article, Lucy Lapwing reflected on a ‘horrible incident’ whilst bird-watching and found empowerment in other women’s experiences. We asked TGO readers to offer thoughts on how the outdoors can be made safe for all. Here’s what you said:

Rebecca Dawson (@myoutdoorsadventures, Instagram)

“Such an important topic to raise and keep raising until women don’t feel fearful of enjoying the outdoors alone. I just bought myself a personal alarm to give me some comfort when hiking alone. I know there are many women who don’t feel worried, and that’s great, but that doesn’t diminish the experiences of people like Lucy. Thank you for raising this issue – please keep doing so!”

Kristin Thue (@lets.trek.it, Instagram)

“Change men’s attitudes towards women across the whole of society.”

Francesca Donovan (@therogueramblers, Instagram)

“Lucy’s point about gaining empowerment from other womxn in the outdoors community is so true! Sharing these stories helps others who have experienced similar assaults – as so many have – feel less alone.”

Sarah Lea (@ramblinglea, Instagram):

“I prefer to walk on my own. I recognise the first instinct of meeting someone else can be to feel alarm but I have found by saying hello and offering a smile that dissipates as we discover that we are both just enjoying ourselves in the outdoors. The more of us that are visible outside, the better it is and the safer it will be for all of us.”

Dale Warren (@adventures_of_a_dale, Instagram)

“It’s about educating males from an early age.”